title: Prognostic molecular markers in cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review.
abstract: The worldwide incidence of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is steadily rising, with the incidence in United Kingdom (UK) now exceeding 1000 cases per year. It is an aggressive malignancy typified by unresponsiveness to the existing chemotherapy and radiotherapy regimes in the vast majority of cases. Surgery offers the only hope of a cure, though post-operative disease recurrence is common, with 5-year survival rates of less than 25% following resection. Developments in molecular techniques and improved understanding of the basis of carcinogenesis in CC has led to examination of the role of biomarkers in predicting poor outcome. This systematic review examines published evidence relating to the prognostic significance of these molecular markers in CC. Of the molecular markers which have been investigated to date, p53 mutation, cyclins, proliferation indices, mucins, CA19-9, CRP and aneuploidy appear to hold significant potential as predictors of outcome in CC. These and other biomarkers may themselves represent novel therapeutic targets for CC.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Biomarkers and Prevention Group, Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, Biocentre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom. Chrisbriggs@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Briggs
authors.forename: Christopher P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Neal
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: William P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Steward
authors.forename: Margaret M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Manson
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Berry
mesh_terms: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D001650:Bile Duct Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D009077:Mucins / Q000235:genetics; D009857:Oncogenes; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D018797:Cell Cycle Proteins; D005819:Genetic Markers; D009077:Mucins